Posted by Adam on February 22, 2000, at 17:11:50
In reply to Adam, are you still around?, posted by Janice on February 21, 2000, at 22:09:33
Yes, I'm still here, just lurking more these days. So much to do, so little time...
Anyway,
I was hospitalized at the beginning of last year. I went because I came very close to killing myself (an attempt I aborted at the last moment) and knew at that point I had few if any options left.
The post describing my experience in somewhat greater length than necessary is in the "Selegiline for Depression" thread, I believe.
To be brief, it was the right thing for me to do at the time, and not only was I stabilized but also events were set in motion that led to vitally important steps to my recovery.
If you admit yourself, you can leave whenever you want. You don't have to do anything against your will. You will only be restrained if you are a clear danger to yourself or others.
I found the days rather long and the group sessions rather boring and unhelpful. What I consider to be the most valuable parts of the experience were:
Safety and rest - I needed both, and got them. I also was cared for very well by attentive doctors and nurses, and that made me feel confident I could be helped.
ECT - Not my favorite kind of treatment, but it did the job nicely.
Referrals - I got hooked up with an excellent psychotherapist and an excellent psychopharmacologist. I felt and still feel that my care prior to that had been substandard, and may have done me more harm than good.
I think that about sums it up.
I personally feel the hospital is an option of last resort, but one that should be considered if you feel you may be ready to harm yourself. Don't expect a miracle cure, but do expect to be healthier coming out than you were going in.
> hi Adam, I just remember a great posting you did about your trip to the hospital. It was so starkly realistic and I so thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
> harry, if Adam doesn't respond, if my memory serves me well, it was under a very long Selegine (spelling) thread about 4,5 or 6 months back.
> Janice
poster:Adam
thread:22792
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23120.html